INDIANAPOLIS — Nick Briscoe, a Seneca FFA member, already immersed in a hands-on experience aimed to jumpstart careers in agriculture, can add one more impressive achievement: national winner.

Briscoe of Seneca was named national winner of the Agricultural Services – Entrepreneurship/Placement Award by a panel of judges Friday during the 85th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

Briscoe was one of four FFA members nationwide selected as national finalists in the Agricultural Services – Entrepreneurship/Placement area, sponsored nationally by TransCanada as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

The National FFA Organization’s Agricultural Proficiency Awards program recognizes outstanding student achievement in agribusiness gained through establishment of a new business, working for an existing company or otherwise gaining hands-on career experience. It serves as the award structure for an FFA member’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (mandatory for all FFA members) that is designed to develop specialized skills in 49 categories that they can apply toward their future careers. Awards, like the Agricultural Services – Entrepreneurship/Placement Award, are available at the local, state and national levels.

Briscoe became eligible for the national award after winning the Illinois state FFA competition earlier this year and will take home a $1,000 award plus a special plaque.

Briscoe is employed at two local agribusinesses, each allowing him to provide important services to his agricultural community. At one, he works to drain fields, allowing him to study agronomy and learn aboutsoil/water relationships. Briscoe’s other job is with a grain company and elevator. He is supported by his parents Ruth and Robert and his FFA advisors Jeff Maierhoter and Kent Weber.

More information can be found online about the Agricultural Proficiency Awards (ffa.org/proficiency), the Supervised Agricultural Experience (ffa.org/SAE) and the 85th National FFA Convention & Expo (ffa.org/convention) on the National FFA Organization’s web site, FFA.org.